Joint dysfunction is a fairly common problem among all age groups in the world population. Diseases that cause pain in the finger joints are usually seen in people over the age of forty. Women and men are equally susceptible to this type of pathology.
Bones and joints provide high mobility to our body when performing any movement and physical activity. The fingers of the upper extremities, thanks to the movable phalanges, can perform sufficiently clear and decisive actions when performing delicate and scrupulous work. However, such activity in 60% of cases leads to professional disability in old age. For example, watchmakers, jewelers, engravers, seamstresses are more likely to have problems with the joints of the fingers than representatives of other professions. Degenerative processes of the fingers can develop for many reasons, in addition to professional activity. The following factors are considered the most common:
- rheumatism;
- gout;
- osteoarthritis;
- osteoarthritis;
- circulatory disorders in the upper extremities;
- hand injuries.
If the joints swell and hurt when bending the fingers, an examination and treatment of the first symptoms of the disease is required. This problem is solved quite difficultly, in the long term and not always successfully, especially in neglected ways.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, characterized by damage to the connective tissue, that is, destructive and degenerative changes in the small joints. But rheumatoid arthritis is considered an extremely serious pathology, since, in addition to damaging the cartilaginous surfaces, it causes serious destructive changes in the tissues of the heart (pericarditis, myocarditis). Kidneys, endocrine glands, blood vessels, lungs, and mucous membranes can also suffer. The disease occurs suddenly and is characterized by a very long course with periods of remitting symptoms and bright relapses. Alterations in the immune system lead to the fact that the immune cells perceive the cells on the joint surfaces as foreign and begin to fight against them. This leads to the destruction, deformation and immobility of the fingers.
The attack always falls on the small joints of the hands and fingers of the upper and lower extremities.
Symptoms
A patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis complains of joint pain when flexing the fingers. This symptom is one of the first to appear in both extremities. In addition, several subjective complaints are added:
- pain increases at night and in the early hours of the day;
- there is stiffness in the movement of the fingers;
- there is a subfebrile temperature of up to 38 degrees;
- symptoms of general intoxication appear in the form of increased fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss;
- on the surface of the fingers, nodules are formed, characteristic of the growth of the synovial membrane of the joint, which is more susceptible to degenerative processes.
The appearance of such symptoms for any sane person should be the reason for immediate referral to a specialist to stop the disease in a timely manner and keep its possible destructive manifestations under control.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis has a hereditary predisposition, but there are factors that can trigger its appearance.
Infectious diseases are considered as such, since the immune system fights the infection and, in turn, remains in the joints and bones of the body for a long time after the visible symptoms have disappeared. It is this fight that provokes the aggression of the body's defenses against the cells of the joints themselves. Hypothermia and stressful situations can create conditions where the finger joints hurt due to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
It is impossible to completely cure such a disease, but it seems quite real to keep it under control and prevent its progression. Modern methods of therapy for rheumatoid arthritis are quite effective and allow to withstand periods of remission of up to two years, which significantly improves the quality of life of the patient. Now doctors use anti-inflammatory methods of treatment with steroids and non-steroidal drugs. Biologically active complexes of drugs based on collagen and glucosamine are prescribed, which nourish the joint surface and prevent destruction.
The most important innovation in the treatment of this pathology is the use of specific enzymes that inhibit the activity of immune cells.
The joint hurts due to degenerative damage caused by these cells. Therefore, if such medication is administered in a timely manner, with the frequency required to affect the cause of the inflammation, the situation will not get out of control. During the remission period, doctors recommend courses of physiotherapy procedures for the finger and hand area.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is considered a disease in which the cartilaginous layer between the joints is destroyed. This is due to circulatory disorders in the lower layer of the periosteum. Consequently, the cartilage does not receive enough nutrition and begins to thin and crack. Synovial fluid decreases in volume or disappears completely. All of these factors cause friction and inflammation. Small joints in the fingers, feet, and hands are affected less often than large ones. Usually older people suffer due to age-related changes in tissues and blood circulation.
The risk increases significantly in postmenopausal women, by approximately 30%, because hormonal changes cause dehydration, decreased cartilage elasticity, and dryness of the joint surface.
Symptoms of arthrosis of the fingers are as follows:
- pain and stiffness;
- crunch when flexing and extending fingers;
- swelling of the skin over the finger joints;
- the appearance of nodules and bumps in the form of growths;
- deformity of the affected finger;
- decreased sensitivity of the fingertip due to a violation of innervation in the affected area.
For pain in the finger joint, therapeutic methods include complex measures. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anesthetic, menthol, or novocaine-based ointments will help relieve inflammation and pain. To restore and nourish the joint, special preparations of biologically active action are prescribed. Along with this, the doctor prescribes a course of physiotherapy procedures. In severe cases, the injections are used directly into the joint capsule. It is important to understand that in advanced cases, it is impossible to return the mobility and normal function of the fingers. A timely visit to the doctor provides a good prognosis.
Gout
Another of the most common reasons for the question of why the joints of the hands hurt, experts call it gout.
Gout is considered a metabolic disease, that is, a violation of protein metabolism.
A large amount of uric acid leads to the deposit of crystals in the joints and kidneys in the form of salts. The joints of the feet and hands are most often affected, especially the base of the thumbs. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- very severe pain;
- violation of the mobility of the finger joint;
- crunch when bending;
- hyperemia and swelling of the fingers.
The treatment of this pathology consists, first of all, in organizing a diet with a total rejection of protein and fatty foods, limiting table salt and including a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. The use of alcohol in any form and carbonated beverages is strictly prohibited. The volume of fluid you drink should increase to at least three liters per day. In case of pain attacks, the affected finger must be kept at rest.
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers are used. If they are not effective, doctors turn to hormonal therapy in the form of corticosteroids. Medicines in this group can quickly relieve inflammation and pain. Physiotherapy treatment methods in this case are recommended only during the period of remission. It should be remembered that gout is hereditary, therefore, with a crippling history, you need to adhere to a diet low in protein and fat, and also monitor the level of uric acid in the blood. Obesity is considered a predisposing circumstance for the development of this type of pathology.